3. Announcement of prohibition of sound producing devices during the meeting.

Chairman McCray announced that the ringing of and use of cell phones, pagers and similar sound-producing electronic devices are prohibited at the meeting. He advised that any person responsible for the ringing or use of a cell phone, pager, or other similar sound-producing electronic devices might be removed from the meeting. He also advised that cell phones that are set on “vibrate” cause microphone interference and requested that they be placed in the “off” position.

4. Approval of Minutes

On motion to approve the minutes of the October 2, 2007 Regular Meeting: unanimously approved (Nolan-absent).

5. Communications

Board Secretary Boomer that Item 10.5, Authorizing the issuance of an RFP for the Union Square and Sutter Stockton Garages, was severed at the request of members of the public.

6. Introduction of New or Unfinished Business by Board Members

None.

7. Executive Director’s Report (For discussion only)

Ongoing Activities

Exec. Director Ford announced that U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Mary Peters was in San Francisco to see the SFgo project. The SFMTA’s $20m Smart Parking initiative is a component of the US DOT’s Urban Partnership Program grant awarded to San Francisco this past August.

On Monday, October 8, at APTA’s Annual Meeting in Charlotte, North Carolina, SFMTA was awarded the AdWheel Grand Prize in the Print category, Group 4 (over 30 million passenger trips annually). The winning entry was our new Cable Car poster series.

This afternoon the full Board of Supervisors is set to vote on the Transit Shelter Maintenance and Advertising Agreement with Clear Channel. SFMTA staff has negotiated a number of changes to contract since it approved by the MTA Board. The agreement now has the most up-to-date language with respect to prevailing wages, the Minimum Compensation Ordinance, and the First Source Hiring Program. Language was added to further reinforce the ban on alcohol advertising by including a provision to apply liquidated damages for violations. Finally additional language will be included related to the potential Bicycle Sharing Program and the Canopy Entry project.

8. Citizen’s Advisory Council Report

No report.

9. Public Comment

Andy Thornley, San Francisco Bicycle Coalition (SFBC), stated that we’re 16 months into the injunction preventing us from implementing physical improvements for bicycles. The Senior Action Network campaign to get people to walk their bikes on the sidewalk is impolite and dangerous. There is an effective campaign on the backs of buses warning bicyclists about hazards. The SFBC is involved in getting info out to everyone using the road.

Norman Rolfe stated that the Transportation Authority is holding a workshop regarding congestion management pricing. The Transportation Authority is redirecting substantial funds from public transit. Mr. Rolfe distributed a paper discussing a proposal for congestion pricing in San Francisco. He stated that any fee should be collected at the perimeter of the central business district and should be used only to fund public transit.

Barry Taranto stated that the Golden Gate Bridge Highway and Transportation District should be convinced to collect an extra dollar to retrofit Doyle Drive. Mr. Taranto stated that had asked for a copy of the board packet. The police should enforce diamond lanes during commute hours. Temporary cab stands at special events don’t come to fruition. The Oracle event is next month. The Board should get a presentation. Last year taxis couldn’t provide proper service. With regard to construction permits, the SFMTA needs to charge greater fees or have better enforcement because it’s a great inconvenience to the public.

THE FOLLOWING MATTERS BEFORE THE MUNICIPAL TRANSPORTATION AGENCY BOARD OR PARKING AUTHORITY ARE RECOMMENDED FOR ACTION AS STATED BY THE MTA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/CEO, PARKING AUTHORITY DIRECTOR, OR CITY ATTORNEY WHERE APPLICABLE. EXPLANATORY DOCUMENTS FOR ALL CALENDAR ITEMS ARE AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW AT 1 SOUTH VAN NESS AVE. 7th FLOOR.

CONSENT CALENDAR

10. All matters listed hereunder constitute a Consent Calendar, are considered to be routine by the Municipal Transportation Agency Board or Parking Authority Commission, and will be acted upon by a single vote. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a member of the Board/Commission or the public so requests, in which event the matter shall be removed from the Consent Calendar and considered as a separate item.

(10.1) Requesting the Controller to allot funds and to draw warrants against such funds available or will be available in payment of the following claims against the MTA:

ESTABLISH - COMPACT VEHICLES ONLY - 1608 Treat Avenue, west side, from 5 feet to 12.5 feet north of the north property line of 1651 Treat Avenue. (Explanatory documents include a staff report and resolution.) (Bond Yee)

Item 10.2 C was removed from the agenda at the request of the public.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

Barry Taranto stated that the permit area should be between Elizabeth and 23rd. There’s a taxi stand and meters on the south side of the block. Mr. Taranto expressed concern about the need for better enforcement of the taxi zone in the area. Mr. Taranto stated that he makes five or six phone calls per week to report people who parking there.

Bond Yee stated that the item was a routine expansion of an existing permit area that was requested by a majority of the residents. The intent is to give high priority to residents so they can park closer to their homes and would be a disincentive to commuters. By establishing the residential permit area, there is likely to be more parking enforcement.

RESOLUTION 07-162

On motion to approve Item 10.2 C:

ADOPTED: AYES – Beach, Black, Din, McCray, Mezey and Shahum

ABSENT - Nolan

(10.3) Authorizing the Executive Director/CEO to accept and expend $200,000 from RTIP funds allocated by the California Transportation Commission for the Addison and Digby Traffic Circle Project. (Explanatory documents include a staff report and resolution.) (Sonali Bose)

RESOLUTION 07-163

(10.4) Authorizing the Executive Director/CEO to accept and expend $200,000 of RM-2 funds to conduct a study analyzing how to improve traffic patterns on the southern side of the Balboa Park BART station where the Interstate 280 freeway intersects with Geneva Avenue. (Explanatory documents include a staff report, resolution, project report and Opinion of Counsel.) (Sonali Bose)

RESOLUTION 07-164

(10.5) Approving the Request for Proposals and Bids for the selection of a single professional parking management firm for the combined management of the Sutter Stockton and the Union Square Garages, and authorizes its release by the City of San Francisco Uptown Parking Corporation. (Explanatory documents include a staff report, resolution, draft contract and RFP.) (Sonali Bose)

Item 10.5 was severed from the Consent Calendar at the request of the public.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

Spencer Sechler, CityPark, expressed concern with the RFP and submitted a letter which outlines their issues. The RFP would exclude many parking garage companies from submitting a bid. The RFP is unfair to smaller local and minority firms because it requests certain financial reports. Current hotel parking is at risk and need to be “grandfathered” in. Mr. Sechler requested that the Board stop the process, get input from the parking community and not prevent outstanding companies from competing.

Jim Hornback, Ampco Parking, stated that he shares the previous speaker’s concerns and would like opportunity to meet with staff. He expressed the understanding that an outside consultant helped put the RFP together who may not be familiar with local practices. We have issues regarding providing corporate federal and state returns. Providing audited returns are a reasonable requirement but three years worth of returns is overkill. We don’t want to be precluded from competing because of proximity.

Anson Lee, Corporate Manager, Uptown Parking Corporation stated that his company currently operates both garages. They worked closely with the SFMTA and the city attorney’s office on the language. Mr. Lee stated that the intent of Section 8.7 was to disclose bidders who manage garages nearby but it wasn’t intended to exclude them from this contract. The RFP was not meant to exclude small businesses from participating.

On motion to continue the item, conduct a review with interested parties in the industry and return the item to the MTA Board:

ADOPTED: AYES – Beach, Black, McCray, Mezey and Shahum

NAYES – Din

ABSENT - Nolan

(10.6) Accepting a gift of the construction of a traffic signal system at Third and Stevenson Streets; reimbursement of all costs to design, construct and maintain the system for its useful life from the 765 Market Street Center Association. (Explanatory documents include a staff report, and resolution.) (Bond Yee)

Item 10.6 was removed from the agenda at the request of the public.

Bond Yee, Director, Parking and Traffic, provided the staff report.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

Barry Taranto stated that there is a mid-block crosswalk in front of the Museum of Modern Art. This modification will create traffic problems. A signal may help for a few hours per day but it may impact Muni. The proposal needs to be fleshed out more or be subject to a public hearing. There have been five accidents at the location since 2001.

Kenneth Paige, Four Seasons Homeowners Association, stated that this item is important not just for the Four Seasons but also for the large public garage on Stevenson St. and other commercial businesses. This street is the entrance for the Jewish Museum and the Mexican Museum, and used for deliveries to the Westin Hotel and others. It’s dangerous to make turns and during certain hours of the day cars can’t exit.

Rafael Cabrera, TWU Local 250-A stated that four bus lines and on-time performance would be affected by this traffic signal. Mr. Cabrera expressed appreciation for the gift but the SFMTA has to look at how to increase bus service rather than decrease bus service.

Sean Jeffries stated that as traffic on Third Street has increased there have been an increased number of traffic incidents. It is difficult for emergency services to get to that part of town. Visitors to the Museum and church attendees are blocked in and pedestrians who attempt to cross Stevenson St. are at risk. Mr. Jeffries requested the Board’s consideration for approval.

Zain Azzghayer stated that he has a store at the corner. The corner is a nightmare. There are many incidents at that intersection. There are fights every day. Allowing this turn won’t interfere with buses because the buses stop at the corner.

On motion to approve Item 10.6:

ADOPTED: AYES – Black and Mezey

NAYES - Beach, Shahum, Din and McCray

ABSENT - Nolan

The motion failed adoption.

The Board requested that staff prepare an in depth analysis of the area including the current and future demand and the impact on Muni operations and safety and return the item for consideration at a future meeting.

On motion to approve the Consent Calendar (Items 10.2, 10.5 and 10.6 severed):

ADOPTED: AYES – Beach, Black, Din, McCray, Mezey, and Shahum

ABSENT - Nolan

REGULAR CALENDAR

11. Status report on the SFgo Project and the Urban Partnership Grant. (Explanatory documents include a staff report and slide presentation.) (Bond Yee)

Cheryl Liu, Manager, SFgo presented the report.

Director Shahum expressed interest in receiving the report on the 9th and Howard Pedestrian study when it becomes available and urged staff to use as much money as possible for transit priority.

Director Beach requested that we find a way to provide signal priority for SFPD vehicles in addition to the SFFD vehicles.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

Norman Rolfe stated that the Doyle Drive project is included because the San Francisco County Transportation Authority and Metropolitan Transportation Commission requested that it be included. This money is not just for San Francisco. It’s for the whole Bay Area. Other counties won’t let their projects fall through because of the Doyle Drive project. Mr. Rolfe urged the MTA Board to urge MTC and the SFCTA to reconsider the Doyle Drive project.

12. Amending the current Advertising Policy to clarify that the Policy applies to all advertising authorized under MTA contracts, except as otherwise stated in the Policy with respect to impairment of contracts. (Explanatory documents include a staff report, resolution and policy.) (Sonali Bose)

No public comment.

RESOLUTION 07-165

On motion to approve:

ADOPTED: AYES – Beach, Black, Din, McCray, Mezey and Shahum

ABSENT - Nolan

Executive Director Ford announced that the Board of Supervisors approved the Transit Shelter Advertising Contract on a vote of nine in favor to one opposed.

ADJOURN - The meeting was adjourned at 4:17 p.m.

A tape of the meeting is on file in the office of the Secretary to the Municipal Transportation Agency Board of Directors.

Roberta Boomer
Board Secretary

The Ethics Commission of the City and County of San Francisco has asked us to remind individuals and entities that influence or attempt to influence local legislative or administrative action may be required by the San Francisco Lobbyist Ordinance [S.F. Campaign and Governmental Conduct Code section 2.100 et seq.] to register and report lobbying activity. For more information about the Lobbyist Ordinance, please contact the Ethics Commission at 415-581-2300; fax: 415-581-2317; 30 Van Ness Ave., Suite 3900, SF, CA 94102-6027 or the web site: sfgov.org/ethics.